Suggestions for improving Yonkers, and it’s not the 30-second rule

After reading Brett’s assessment of the first week of results of races at Yonkers it should come as no surprise to anyone that the 30-second second quarter move would yield little to no change. What’s more amazing was the fact that 46 of the 49 races were won by horses in the top 3. That’s an insane stat. The 30-second rule made no sense to begin with. Weather, class, gait, lack of gate speed, etc. could all dictate the pace. The rule was poorly advertised, IMO. It would have just been simpler to enforce the rule of jamming up the field either trying to let a horse go or intentionally slowing the pace. How many times, even at The Meadowlands, have we seen horses running over the back of the driver in front of them due to a rapidly slowing pace? Rarely, an inquire will be lit for that infraction, but it should be enforced far more judiciously.

Yonkers, is and has been, a true shame in terms of its utter lack of betting interest. The potential of Yonkers due to its vast VLT funds should’ve led to great racing with better horses, drivers, stakes, etc. Instead, the handle is the same as when 4K claimers roamed the ground 20 years ago even with inflation. I’ve always felt the racing got even worse when presiding judge Cammie Haughton (I don’t even know if he’s still there) touted the passing lane removal as the beginning of Yonker’s renaissance. The exciting races never materialized and fans lost the only exciting part of the race as horses couldn’t at least make the stretch run fun to watch. The passing lane removal should’ve been reversed years ago when it was a proven fail.

Suggestions: To me it’s so simple even Joe Faraldo brought it up years ago. Move the darn finish line back to its original spot halfway up the stretch and not at the head of the winner’s circle. This would obviously change where and when horses have to move and most importantly give horses far more time to leave from the outer posts before slamming into the first turn. Management balked at that idea because of the cost of moving the judge’s booth. However, with technology being where it is now it seems a logical step. The main wagering is off-track anyway. I would try to emulate Northfield Park. Short stretch, but a lot of movement and it has a passing lane. I would also look to change the condition sheet which has been the same for 20 years. More handicaps, or maybe double droppers have to draw the seven or eight hole? Also, I think 11 to 13 races per card is the best for wagering. It allows for more multi race wagers and spaced out to not overlap. Running nine races and short fields guarantees smaller pools. Run four days a week and do not run Friday and Saturday as long as The Meadowlands is operational (which with Gural and the all-or-nothing casino ballot could be just this year or next)! Either run Monday through Thursday or try Sunday, but keep it to 4 days or 5 if you have enough to fill that many races.

Christopher Fenty / Mt Kisco NY

Disappointed Ohio USHWA chapter renamed Peter Haughton Award

I was very disappointed to see that the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association recently changed the name from the Peter Haughton Memorial Award to the Hunter Myers Memorial Award. I, for one am extremely disappointed in such an outrageous decision to disrespect and dishonor a family so rich in harness racing tradition. The Haughton family led this sport through an era when harness racing was at its height of popularity in the United States, just as Peter was attaining superstar status at such a young age. There’s no doubt that Hunter Myers was a future star, a burgeoning talent who was well-liked and respected by all while on his way to becoming a top-notch horseman. That said, to erase the legacy of Peter and by extension the Haughton family is a show of disdain and disregard for the lifelong contributions achieved the Haughton family. 

It is my sincere hope that the Ohio Chapter of the Association will reconsider this ill-conceived and truly shameful decision and rename the award The Haughton Myers Memorial Award.

Robert Sturman / Philadelphia, PA

Ohio chapter responds

Editor’s note: HRU asked the Ohio chapter if it wished to respond. Ohio chapter secretary Jay Wolf forwarded a message originally sent to Robert Sturman and said HRU was welcome to publish it.

Thanks for reaching out to express your disappointment in our decision to rename the Peter Haughton Memorial Award to the Hunter Myers Memorial Award.

Last year, we received comments from National USHWA that there was some confusion over National and the Ohio Chapter having an award named after the same person. 

In no way were we trying to eliminate the Haughton name from harness racing history.

Despite his stellar career, Peter Haughton rarely applied his trade in the state of Ohio.

Hunter Myers was born, raised and competed extensively in the Buckeye State. 

Based on the above points, the Ohio Chapter voted to rename our award.

Thanks again for your concerns. I hope this message answers your questions and provides some insights.